Lead fishing tackle won’t be allowed on three lakes in Vilas County. Starting April 1st, the DNR is prohibiting any tackle containing lead on Escanaba, Nebish and Pallette lakes. All three are research lakes in the Northern Highland American Legion state forest.

DNR fisheries research scientist Greg Sass is based at the Escanaba Research Station in Boulder Junction. He says small pieces of lead like split shot and jig head can be harmful to wildlife like loons.